Carson: Trump administration plans to terminate Indy airport solar panel grant

INDIANAPOLIS -- U.S. Rep. André Carson, D-Ind. District 7 released a statement criticizing the Donald Trump administration's plan to terminate millions in clean energy infrastructure grants, including one for the Indianapolis International Airport.




According to a news release from Carson's office, Carson said he was notified that the Federal Aviation Administration is planning to terminate a grant for the Indianapolis airport that would help fund a solar power battery storage facility at the site. The FAA said that the grant did "not align with the (Trump) administration's priorities."

The Indianapolis International Airport received federal funds in July 2023 that officials said they would use to construct energy-efficient infrastructure and the installation of solar panels. At the time, airport officials said that the grant was for $22.58 million for the project and "a huge win for the Indy airport, our environment and our community."




In Carson's release, he said the Trump administration's plan is to terminate almost $37 million in clean energy infrastructure plants, including a $6.7 million grant for the airport.




In the statement, Carson said that Trump is "taking money away from Indianapolis to score cheap political points in Washington." Carson said this is a "blow to the hardworking aviation professionals" at the Indianapolis airport.




"Republicans and Democrats have long supported this project because it is economically viable and environmentally intelligent," Carson said. "It provides renewable energy to the electric grid, lowers emissions, improves air quality, and lowers the airport's operating costs... Infrastructure should not be partisan. There are no Democratic or Republican bridges, roads, or airports.  Clean solar energy serves everyone, especially through the Indianapolis Airport solar farm."








According to previous reports, the funding was expected to help fund the first 25% of a multi-phased project to transition the airport terminal's electricity consumption to renewable energy generated onsite.




FOX59/CBS4 has reached out to other members of the Indiana congressional delegation regarding their reaction to the grant being canceled. This story will be updated if they choose to respond.





via: https://fox59.com/indianapolitics/carson-trump-administration-plans-to-terminate-indy-airport-solar-panel-grant/